Old Age Security payments will increase in July 2026 as the federal government adjusts benefits to reflect changes in the cost of living.
OAS benefits will rise by 1.2% for the July-to-September quarter. This brings the total increase between July 2025 and July 2026 to 2.3%.
Eligible Canadians will receive the higher amounts with their July 29 payment. The increased rates will also apply to payments issued on August 27 and September 25.
New Maximum OAS Payment Amounts
The maximum monthly OAS pension for recipients aged 65 to 74 will increase to approximately $751.96.
That represents an increase of $8.91 from the April-to-June maximum of $743.05.
Recipients aged 75 and older could receive a maximum of approximately $827.16 per month, bringing payments close to $830. The previous quarterly maximum was $817.36, making the increase approximately $9.80.
People aged 75 and older receive an automatic 10% increase in their OAS pension beginning the month after their 75th birthday.
Why OAS Payments Are Increasing
OAS payment amounts are reviewed four times each year in January, April, July and October.
The federal government uses changes in the Consumer Price Index to determine whether benefits should increase. The CPI measures changes in the prices Canadians pay for goods and services.
If living costs rise, OAS benefits are adjusted upward. If the cost of living falls, monthly payments do not decrease. Instead, they remain unchanged until the CPI supports another increase.
The Government of Canada has confirmed the 1.2% adjustment for July through September.
Maximum Payments Are Not Guaranteed
Receiving OAS does not automatically mean someone will qualify for the maximum monthly amount.
Payments depend on several factors, including the recipient’s age, annual income and number of years lived in Canada after turning 18.
People who lived in Canada for at least 40 years after age 18 may qualify for a full pension. Those with fewer qualifying years may receive a partial OAS pension.
Higher-income recipients may also have part of their pension recovered through the OAS recovery tax. For the July 2026-to-June 2027 recovery period, repayments begin when 2025 net world income exceeds the applicable threshold.
Who Can Receive OAS?
OAS is generally available to eligible Canadians aged 65 and older. Unlike the Canada Pension Plan, eligibility is based mainly on age and residence history rather than employment contributions.
Service Canada automatically enrols many people when sufficient information is available. Those who are automatically enrolled receive a notification.
Anyone who does not receive an enrolment letter may need to submit an application. Canadians approaching age 65 should confirm their status through My Service Canada Account.
July To September Payment Dates
The three payment dates covered by the new quarterly rates are:
- July 29, 2026
- August 27, 2026
- September 25, 2026
Payments are made by direct deposit or mailed cheque. Direct deposit is generally the fastest and most reliable option.
The remaining OAS dates for 2026 are October 28, November 26 and December 22. Another quarterly adjustment could take effect in October if the CPI increases.
What To Do If A Payment Is Missing
Payments may take several days to arrive, particularly when sent by mail.
Recipients should confirm that Service Canada has their current banking and mailing information. The government recommends waiting five to 10 business days after the scheduled payment date before reporting a missing payment.
An OAS benefits estimator is also available online for people seeking a personalized estimate based on their circumstances.
OAS benefits will rise by 1.2% beginning with the July 29 payment. Maximum monthly amounts will reach approximately $751.96 for recipients aged 65 to 74 and $827.16 for those aged 75 and older.
Actual payments may differ because income, age and residence history determine how much each eligible Canadian receives.